Simple Step to Start Writing Your Book

November 10, 2025November 6, 2025

When Progress Isn’t Planned

I had 25 minutes before heading to a meeting. I wanted to brainstorm a few ideas for my writing project. My goal wasn’t to finish anything or even to start. Just to jot down a few thoughts, to jumpstart my next writing session.

As I started making notes, one idea led to another. By the time 25 minutes had passed, two whole sections were outlined in detail. I was reminded that we can make great progress when we don’t pressure ourselves to make any progress.

November 3, 2025October 29, 2025

Gathering Stories Like a Thanksgiving Table

Picture a Thanksgiving table—a beautiful blend of colorful dishes, familiar recipes, appetizing aromas. Each dish adds to the beauty of the table and offers a variety of ways to enjoy the meal.

Writing a book creates a similar experience. As the writer, you bring a variety of stories, examples, dialogue, explanations, and memories to your book. That richness creates a wonderful feast for your reader to enjoy.

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025

Messy Beats the Blank Screen

Writers often struggle when facing a blank screen. How should they begin writing? What are the right opening words? How should they tell a story?

The blank screen seems like a roadblock. How do you get around it or move through it?

There is one simple way that works every time: Write messy.

July 21, 2025August 19, 2025

Writing Prompt: A Childhood Summer Memory

Writing a book begins with small steps. As you practice writing smaller pieces, the bigger project starts to come together. A writing prompt—where you write in response to a particular question or topic—can help you gain momentum.

Have you ever tried writing in response to a writing prompt? It’s good practice, it exercises your writing muscles, and it can often lead to insights for your book. I’m going to share one today that you can try.

July 14, 2025July 5, 2025

Want to Share Your Story? You’re Ready

A client recently told her neighbor she was working on her second book. The neighbor looked at her in awe and said, “How long have you been a writer?”

That question stuck with me. I could see the neighbor thinking that writing a book required special training. That it wasn’t something as simple as sharing stories to encourage others—something the neighbor probably does every day.

June 23, 2025August 3, 2025

A Simple Step: Write Just One Memory

The idea of writing a whole book can feel overwhelming, like climbing a mountain. But writing happens a little bit at a time, much like taking steps along a mountain trail.

You don’t have to write the whole book in a day. You don’t have to write a chapter in one sitting. Just start by writing a simple memory.

Just one.

June 9, 2025June 3, 2025

How Blogging Helps You Gather Stories for Your Book

Writing a whole book of personal memories or family history can feel overwhelming. Here’s a suggestion that could help: You don’t have to wait till everything’s ready. You can start writing now, one story at a time, using a blog.

May 19, 2025May 14, 2025

Photos Help to Tell Your Life Story or Family History

If you’re writing a book about your life story or family history, you’ll probably want to include photos. Not only do photos help portray your story, but they are also a valuable part of the memories you’re sharing with future generations. Here are some tips for how photos can help you piece your story together.

May 5, 2025May 14, 2025

Every Word Counts

If you’re just starting to write a book, the scope of the project might feel overwhelming. You think of how many words go into a book. You’re just starting out. How will you get from here to there? Can you do this?

Yes, you can. You can write and finish your book. Just remember: every word counts.

April 21, 2025April 22, 2025

Start Your Book by Writing a Simple Letter

You want to write a book. You have a message to share. You know the kind of readers you can help with your book. But how do you get started? It feels kind of overwhelming.

Here’s a simple way to start moving toward your book: Write a letter.